Charlton’s Lee Bowyer lauded Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa ahead of the league leaders visit this weekend.
Touted as promotion favourites and ‘champions in waiting’ by many, Bielsa’s outfit sit top of the Championship and it’s all credit to the 64-year-old Argentinian says the Addicks boss.
Last year, in his first season at Elland Road, Bielsa’s brand of football had pundits, and Bowyer, championing the Yorkshire outfit as they narrowly missed out on promotion.
“I watched Leeds before he took over, and what he’s done with that squad is unbelievable,” said Bowyer.
“There’s not much difference between that squad and the squad now, so I’ve the upmost respect for him and his staff.
“They’re the best team in the league, they should’ve gone up last season.
“But they’re at the top now, and at the top for a reason.”
Bowyer, a novice in the management game compared to Bielsa, has had his share of praise in his 18 months in charge after guiding the SE7 outfit to promotion last season.
Throughout that campaign it was his side’s fitness he believed that gave his men the edge over their League One opponents.
In the Championship however, it’s Leeds who are setting the bar when it comes to the bleep test.
“Their fitness is unbelievable, I’ve not seen anything like it in this division, and I’ve watched every team.
“The way they attack, break and get back in defence is great to watch.
“I’ll ask him how the hell has he got his lads to the fitness that he has?! I’d love to know!
“It might be to do with the sports scientist but I’d love to know or what they do.
“Our lads are laying on the floor in bits with the running we do.
“I’d love to know the type of running they do, he’s from a different country so he may have different ways of doing things, it’d be great to see the way they work.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here